Degassing activity observed at Taal's main crater

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported a degassing activity at the main crater of the Taal volcano on Saturday. 

In an update on Facebook, PHIVOLCS said that Taal "generated thick plumes that rose 2,400m before drifting northwest."

The activity was captured by the visual monitor of Agoncillo Observation Station (VTAG) from 01:30AM to 07:55AM this morning.

"Taal has been degassing significant volumes of volcanic gas since March 2021. A total of 4,641 tonnes/day of SO2 was measured on June 20, 2024," said PHIVOLCS

On June 8, 2024, PHIVOLCS observed a phreatic eruption with a duration of two minutes and five volcanic tremors lasting three to 608 minutes.

The eruption occurred two days after state volcanologists monitored an increase in degassing activity.

Taal Volcano remains at Alert Level 1, characterized by "low-level unrest."

PHIVOLCS previously warned that sudden explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas posed serious health and safety risks.

Entry into the Taal Volcano Island, particularly in the main crater and Daang Kastila fissures, remains strictly prohibited. The island has been identified as a permanent danger zone.

Aircraft that fly close to the volcano, PHIVOLCS said, will be at risk of coming into contact with airborne ash and ballistic fragments. —VAL, GMA Integrated News